Dateline: March 25, 2004

New American Inn opens for business

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

After months of anticipation and years of planning, the ribbon was cut on Clarendon’s new three-story Best Western hotel last Saturday.

Jimmy Sindha, one of the owners of the new American Inn, said he is pleased to finally be open.

“We had about 50 people stay here Saturday night,” he said. “That’s good for a first night for no one really knowing that we are here.”

Sindha and his family, who also own the Western Skies Motel here, worked for nearly two years planning the new facility.

“It took a long time to work through the process. It didn’t take long for construction, but it took time up to that point.”

There are still some tasks to be completed, such as completing the staffing of the business and preparing brochures, but Sindha says the American Inn is definitely open for business and is taking reservations for future dates.

“I’d like local families to know that this hotel was built for them, for the college activities, and for other community functions,” Sindha said.

The $1.8 million facility is a showplace for Clarendon. The main entrance features a large front desk on one side and a spacious breakfast area on the other. A continental breakfast will be served in a buffet style, and dataports and a kiosk courtesy of the Donley County Community Network are available for business travelers to connect to the Internet.

Business travelers also can take advantage of a work center with a photocopier and Internet access. Twenty rooms are set up as business rooms featuring a king size bed, a sleeper sofa, and a partitioned desk area.

All guest rooms have dataports and feature granite tub surrounds, counters, and windowsills. Thirty rooms are set up with two queen size beds; and some of those have sleeper sofas, which is the equivalent of having three beds. Two rooms are fitted with Jacuzzis, and two rooms are suitable for handicapped guests.

Vending and ice machines are available on the first and second floors, and a coin-operated laundry is on the first floor. A fitness center and an indoor swimming pool are also located on the first floor.

The Clarendon Economic Development Corporation provided more than $31,000 to assist with bringing the hotel to this city. The new facility is expected to employ ten people including the manager.

Projections are that the new hotel will generate $23,000 per year in additional Motel Bed Tax income for City Hall.

For reservations, call 806/874-0160. Room rates are $89 for singles, $99 for doubles, and $110 for the Jacuzzi rooms. Discounts are available for members of AAA and AARP.